Sunday, November 17th, 2024: Rosen's bring citrus fruit to share @ church, Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, cold wintry day, James is cold & miserable most of the time

 

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 6

Come Follow Me

Sunday School

October General Conference

'In the Space of Not Many Years'

Elder David A. Bednar

Ezra Taft Benson regarding the Book of Mormon:

"Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified tat he wrote for future generations . . . . If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, 'Why did the Lord inspire Mormon . . . to include this account in his record? What lesson can I learn from this admonition to help me live in this day ad age?'"

A sunny but cold morning. The Rosen's, a couple who are here off and on during the summer were here again today at church. They brought lots of fruit from their citrus trees in the valley. They aren't really members of our ward, just summer visitors but Sister Rosen plays the organ when she is here. Brother Rosen sits in front of us on the front row and we have gotten to know him just through snatched of conversation here and there.

Tyler Finnegan, another of our young men who is now missionary age, is to receive the Melchizedek priesthood as he prepares for his mission. Way to go Tyler!

Cress and Richard Miller's two grandsons spoke in sacrament meeting today. They are both in Primary. 

Gino Woods - Jesus said, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to help us to return to Heaven.

Jacob Barrett - Russell M. Nelson: "Hear Him" We can hear Him in the scriptures, at the temple, doing family history and by listening to the Holy Ghost.

Paula Johnson - Emily Belle Freeman's talk, "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ." The Jerusalem guide helped Sister Freeman do something she couldn't do for herself. The Lord said to Enoch, "walk with me." Jacob's dream and the five finger promise. Live a life of committed covenant relationship. The Covenant Path is all about our relationship with God. The Lord will be with us. He will meet us where we are but He won't leave us there. We are sanctified by His Spirit. We want our children to walk with us. 

Sister Rosen - Piano solo. "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again"

Jake Oldham - from the stake high council and also the stake young men's president. Youth of the noble birthright. We overcome through the Savior. How can we help the members of the stake feel the love of the Savior in their lives? Elder Bednar's October conference talk: Charity, gratitude, and humility are all characteristics that will help us to avoid pride. We must learn to put the Kingdom of God first and focus on the Savior. Pride closes our hearts to the Spirit. Charity is the greatest of virtues. We need to learn to focus on others, not ourselves. C.S. Lewis quote, "there are no ordinary people."

Humility - We are teachable and learning to overcome the natural man if we are humble. We are learning to let God prevail in our lives. Gratitude - to God, the giver of all blessings, comparison is the thief of joy. Keep a gratitude journal and list three things daily that you are grateful for. As we are grateful we will become closer to the Savior. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Course corrections end us up where we want to be. Daily repentance and forgiveness are vital. Remember the Savior and attend the temple. 

Today in Sunday School we discussed Ether 1-5. Jimmy Applegate was our teacher. James and I always enjoy his class.

Back at home I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch. James and I were both cold so afterwards we got under the covers in bed for our naps. Tom is inside on this cold, wintry day. Sammy is still too shy to come in and that is probably best. We really don't need two cats in the house.

I watched Christmas movies this afternoon. I just can't help myself, they usually help me feel the Christmas spirit. 

James is cold and miserable most of the time. I really do worry about his health and well-being. After dinner he did watch a Christmas movie with me. It is one we have both seen before but we didn't mind watching it again because it is so good. It's about four people stuck in a diner during a snow storm on Christmas eve and is so good! It's called "Heaven Down Here." Lots of Christmas spirit.

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Sleeping Tom, Sammy, 3 yrs since Barbara Goodman's death, laying bricks by garage, cold & windy, missed pie party, Christmas movies

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 5

Come Follow Me

Ether 5

Witnesses testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon

October General Conference

'The Man Who Communed with Jehovah'

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"For all the beautiful truths we might learn from that First Vision, perhaps Joseph's main takeaway was simply, 'I had found the testimony of James to be true - that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain.'"

'Embrace The Lord's Gift Of Repentance'

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

" The Prophet Joseph Smith spoke of often feeling 'condemned,' in his youth, 'for his weakness and imperfections.' But Joseph's feelings of inadequacy and worry were part of what led him to ponder, study, learn, and pray. As you may remember, he went to pray in the grove near his home to find truth, peace, and forgiveness. He heard the Lord say: 'Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgive thee. God thy way, walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments. Behold, I am the Lord of Glory. I was crucified for the world that all those who believe on my name may have eternal life.'"

It's 9:42 and Tom is still asleep in the house which is highly unusual. He is usually up and outside by 7.

Sammy was waiting at the bedroom door this morning. I fed him and as I patted him on the back, he meowed.

James is feeling better but he slept in late this morning. Family prayer and scriptures and our day begins. James worked on laying bricks on the ground by the garage door. It was cold and windy outside. 

It was three years ago today that we lost our dear friend Barbara Goodman to complications from Covid. I still miss her and her great sense of humor and kindness.

I miss you Barbara and I love you

I worked on my scripture books, and my blog and took a shower. I had planned on going to town this afternoon. Tom is out of T-r-e-a-t-s. As afternoon approached, I changed my mind. There were other items on my grocery list but none that couldn't wait until Monday. James agreed and said we didn't need to go to town today.

I worked on my Relief Society lesson for next wee and then watched a Christmas movie while James walked. I guess you can tell where our priorities are. Oh yes, we also missed the Elders Quorum/Relief Society pie social tonight. 

Guarding one of his humans

Naughty kitty

Nice

Disney memory with Addy & Max

Friday, November 15th, 2024: Sunny but windy, sweet Tom, Grombach's cancel temple date, Razr parts, James chops wood & gets a bad headache & bloody nose, blog & Christmas movies

 

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 5

Come Follow Me

Ether 2:16-25

The Lord will prepare me to cross my "great deep."

Bishop Budge: "Consistent and Resilient Trust" GC Oct 2019

October General Conference

'The Joy of Our Redemption'

Kristin M. Yee

"So I prayed and pled for help and painted through the night to repair things. And I remember looking at the painting in the morning - it looked better than it did before. How was that possible? What I thought was a mistake without mend was an opportunity for His merciful hand to be manifest. He was not done with the painting, and He was not done with me. What joy and relief filled my heart. I praised the Lord for His mercy, for this miracles that no only saved the painting but taught me more about His love and power to save each of us from our mistakes, weaknesses, and sins and to help us become something more."

Sunny but windy today. I had some sweet time with Tom this morning. When I look outside Sammy's little round face is usually staring at me and it makes me laugh.

After family prayer and scriptures this morning I texted Janna Grombach to confirm our temple date this afternoon. A few minutes later Janna called me. She said they were going to have to cancel the temple today. Willy is having shoulder surgery next week and cataract surgery on Monday. The shoulder surgery will take six weeks and then six months recovery time. He is so backed up in his work he is very stressed about it. People are always bringing him things to fix or weld.

I was so disappointed and so was James. Willy has not been back to do a temple session since he first went through the temple a couple of years ago. Now it's going to be awhile before he will be able to go.

James is trying to order parts for the Razr but I think he needs some help. He also chopped some wood today. This evening he came in from using the chainsaw and said he had a severe headache. He also has a bloody nose. He said to me: "I think I might have an aneurysm." I told him he should lie down for a few minutes, which he did on the recliner in the family room. He fell asleep and awhile later he went in and went to bed, which made me think he was feeling a little better. He did take some aspirin before going to sleep. 

I spent the day working on my scripture books, taking notes for my blog, and walking. I actually walked 12,000 steps. I also watched a good Christmas movie starring Taylor Cole and Kevin McGarry, "A Reason for the Season." 

This made me think of Scarlett and

her report on giraffees.

We love eating here after a temple session.

 

Darrel & Trina

Thursday, November 14th, 2024: Temple with Tignors, Streets on Main, T-Bo's glasses, cranberry brie bites for Bunco, Alicia & Stefani @ Cheryl's, J walks, I finish a Christmas movie

 

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:14-28

Come Follow Me

Ether 2:14-15; 3:1-20

Through His chastening, the Lord invites me to repent and come unto Him.

October General Conference

'Holiness to the Lord is Everyday Life'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"We each have a story. As Sister Gong and I meet you - Church members and friends in many places and circumstances - your stories of holiness to the Lord in everyday life inspire us. You live seven Cs: communion with God, community and compassion with each other, commitment and covenant with God, family, and friends - centered in Jesus Christ."

A most beautiful day in Vernon, Arizona and in Snowflake, Arizona. 

We went to the temple today with our friends T-Bo and Barbara Tignor. We picked them up at 9:30 this morning. 

As we drove towards Snowflake it became apparent that we were going to be more than 30 minutes early. No wind in Snowflake was a pleasant surprise.

As we checked in at the fHront desk, James and I went first, then waited at the elevator for T-Bo and Barbara. They didn't come, so we went back to see what was the matter. There was a problem with Barbara's recommend. They had to call someone down from upstairs 

and asked us to wait in the waiting room, which we did. The brother from upstairs came in to talk to Barbara. He asked her if she had another recommend. She said, yes. The one she brought today was the one given to her when she and T-Bo were sealed and was for a live ordinance. The one at home is the one she needs to use when she comes to the temple to do work for the dead. This good brother cleared her and we proceeded upstairs. I am so grateful that we came early. 

After our session we went to Streets on Main for lunch. It was quite busy but we found a table to everyone's liking. T-Bo had to be facing the door, so James and I sat with our backs to the door. 

Barbara and I both got the crispy chicken salad. T-Bo got chicken strips with fries, saying he wished they had sweet potato fries, which they do not. He also had sides of potato salad and coleslaw. James got the steak and mushroom sandwich and loved it. T-Bo insisted he was paying. We didn't argue too much.

I mentioned that next time we should eat at The Snowflake Smokehouse and showed T-Bo a picture of their protein platter. He is diabetic and likes to eat lots of protein. He seemed excited and said, "let's go now." Definitely going there the next time we come to the temple.

T-Bo asked if we could go back to the temple because he says he left his sunglasses there. Sure enough he came out with them. Glad we went back for him. We got home around 3 p.m. I have Bunco at 6 p.m.

I changed my clothes and went in to the kitchen to start preparing the treat I had planned to take tonight to Bunco, cranberry brie bites. I had to improvise the recipe a little because the pastry part of the dish wasn't getting done in the middle. I finished up in time to get ready and head for the Hunsaker's. I picked up Alicia and Stefani and we went on to Cheryl Sedig's. On the way in Becky Skousen was carrying Stefani's dish when she tripped and fell on the way in to the house. She handled it with grace and wasn't hurt, thank goodness. What is sad is that Janna tripped and fell outside on the steps on the way out. No harm done, just a lot of steps at Cheryl's. 

Those attending this evening: Tina Allen, Lynda Finnell, Janna Grombach, Patsy Tedder, Cheryl Sedig, Amy Reynolds, Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, and myself. Lynn Wallace and Donna Beckham were missing this evening. Oksana, and Michelle Beckham were the subs. 

I brought a disco ball for the gift exchange. Janna brought a nativity she bought at Willow Tree Boutique and wanted me to get it, but Tina Allen picked it. I got a cute pumpkin candle. 

My brie cranberry bites were a hit.

Back at home James walks while I finish a Christmas movie I was watching earlier.

The Tignor's

It's Bunco Night!

Cheryl's house is decorated with cute Bear decor.

Cheryl and her gift

Tina with my/her nativity gift

Amy was in charge tonight

Left to right Stefani, Janna, Patsy, Lynda

Sorry I didn't get pictures of everyone. The one thing I remember about this night is that Michelle Beckham never left the winners table. I thought this was a game of luck, but maybe there is a little skill involved.]

 

Wednesday, November 13th, 2024: Beautiful Day! Thank you to Stefani, Whitecap billslanterns for lesson, J chops firewood, Stefani's, PO, Mountain Computer, gas, UPS Store, Walmart, Wendy's , cold sores gone

 

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:1-14

Come Follow Me

Ether 2; 3:1-6; 4:7-15

I can receive revelation for my life.

"A Framework for Personal Revelation" Elder Dale G. Renlund

October General Conference

'Aligning Our Will with His'

Ulisses Soares

"The Savior achieved a perfect and divine level of submission to the Father by allowing His will to be swallowed up in the Father's will. He once said, 'And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.' "

A beautiful day, no wind, plenty of sunshine with the high around 60. Scriptures and prayer with James. I pack up my computer to take it in. James says he thinks Sammy is a boy. I hope so because we don't need any more kitties. 

I paid some overdue Whitecap bills that I have never seen before. James says he gave them to me, but I am afraid he is mistaken. While I was paying bills, James was outside chopping firewood. 

Before going to town I wrote a thank you note to Stefani and packaged her gift. I also ordered some lanterns for my lesson that light up. I am returning one order of the non-light lanterns to Amazon. 

I left for town by myself around 3 p.m. My first stop was Stefani's and then the Vernon post office where I picked up two packages. My first stop in town was at Mountain Computer a little family-run shop. They even have their dog Toby, as the greeter. I left my beloved computer with a little trepidation and hope for it's future performance.

I got gas at Circle K, went to the UPS store to return my non-lighting lanterns. Next stop, Walmart. I was hungry when I left Walmart so I decided to hit Wendy's drive-thru. I got a Krabby Patty meal and paid $12 for it. Never again. James didn't want anything.

When I got home James gave me a kiss to show me that all of his cold sores are gone. Thank goodness!

James walked this evening while I tried to watch a Hallmark movie. The only problem, I kept falling asleep.

Tomorrow we are going to the temple with the Tignor's and the next day we are scheduled to go with the Grombach's. 

Stacy's wedding day

Tuesday, November 12th, 2024: Left for valley @ 6:18 to make it thru Superior blasting, 73 in the valley, 2U glass, new car windshield, Cafe Rio, Landings, Infusion, Sheri's blesing, Ben & Cayli, Costco, Payson Culvers, DWTS 500th episode

 

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 2

Come Follow Me

Follow Him

October General Conference

'The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow' 

Elder Aroldo Cavalcante

"The Master of masters caused 'a furious wind' to blow the Jaredites toward promised blessings. Similarly, we can decide to serve as a humble gust of wind in the Lord's hands. Just as 'the wind did never cease to blow' the Jaredites toward the promised and, we can help others progress in their journey to receive God's blessings."

We left for the valley around 6:18 this morning. We made it passed the Superior bridge where they are blasting before they closed the road. We stopped at the Circle K on the highway just outside of Superior. We didn't need gas but we got a tuna sandwich to share.

It is a gorgeous day in the Valley of the Sun, the high, 73 degrees. We drove straight to 2 U Glass, off of Kyrene and Chicago in west Chandler. The guy who works here gave me the remote to the TV and we had just started watching a Christmas movie when another customer came in. I turned the TV off and we went for a walk. The weather is beautiful for walking.

When they finished installing a new windshield in my car we thanked them and they gave us a check for $160.00. That's what I call service! 

It was lunch time so we headed east down Chandler Blvd to Cafe Rio. It is Taco Tuesday. Tacos are $1.99. We should have taken advantage of this price but since we aren't in town very often, we didn't. I got a salad with pinto beans and sweet pork and a large drink. James got a tostado and a medium drink. We ended up spending close to $40! Later, when we saw Sheri I asked her where she went to lunch. She said, "Cafe Rio of course, for Taco Tuesday." Her lunch starts at 1:00 which is when I had my infusion.

After lunch we drove over to the Landings in Mesa where James and Armando are bidding a job. I dropped James off and went on to my infusion. Frances called me right back with some other patients. o more weighing!

Alex set up my infusion. When I was finished James was outside walking. Armando had dropped him off. Our next stop was Chandler Eyecare so James could give Sheri a blessing. 

Sheri found an empty exam room for just the three of us. James gave a nice blessing and Sheri gave him a big hug afterwards. 

We saw Cayli and Ben while we were there. Ben gave us each a hug. He and Cayli are going to Washington this weekend for a reception where Cayli's mom invited all the people in their ward.

We stopped at the Costco in Chandler to pick up some pomegranate juice, toilet paper, paper towels, brownie mix, Teflon cupcake tins, and Almond Roca. 

The Chandler Costco is just south of the 101 so we headed north on the 101 and over on the 202 to the 87 and on to Payson. We stopped in Culver's in Payson for ice cream. James got a waffle cone and I got a hot fudge sundae.

We got home to Tom who seemed somewhat happy to see us. James walked and I watched the 500th episode of "Dancing with the Stars."

Love

Monday, November 11th, 2024: Veterans day, Razr to Willy's it runs lousy, gift to Janna, Show Low, computer not working, Walmart, Culvers, MacArthur's,

 

Guadalajara, Mexico

105th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 1:33-43

Come Follow Me

Ether 1:33-43

As I cry unto the Lord, He will have compassion on me.

October General Conference

'Ye Are My Friends' 

Elder David L. Buckner

"Jesus Christ has long called His faithful followers His friends. Fourteen times in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Savior uses the term friend to define a sacred and cherished relationship."

'Be Thou Clean'

Elder D. Martin Goury

"Through repentance, our burdens of guilt are lifted and replaced with a sense of peace and tranquility. As we repent earnestly, we are sanctified through the Savior's blood, increasing our sensitivity to the promptings and influence of the Holy Ghost."

A beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona. I had invited Kerri and Catherine Halcomb to lunch today. Kerri subs at the Show Low schools normally, but today is a holiday, Veterans Day. I got a call from Catherine this morning. She has a cough and doesn't think people in a restaurant would appreciate her being there. I told her we would do a rain check. 

James took the Razr to Willy's to pick up the bed that goes on the back. I asked him how it ran. He said, "terrible." He is pretty upset and on top of that he can't get it started to bring it home. He says he thinks the transmission needs some work. James says he will work on it if Willy will direct him. Right now Willy is working on a vehicle for Chris Skousen and then he is going to have shoulder surgery. When I went to pick up James, I gave a gift and thank you note to Willy to give to Janna. James thought maybe Willy would have the hood cover for the Razr but he doesn't and they can't find it at White Mountain Motors. A new one costs well over $l00. This machine is becoming a money pit.

From Willy & Janna's we drove in to town. I had my computer with me and was ready to drop it off at the computer repair shop, Mountain Computer, but it was closed. Frustrating, but I will be back. 

We did some shopping at Walmart and then got a bite to eat at Culver's, James's favorite because he loves their cod fillet sandwiches. 

We were home in time for our appointment with the MacArthur family at 5 p.m. James is their ministering brother and I am one of their ministering sisters, Kathy Crane is the other. 

I took three pictures of the Savior and some little lanterns to give to each of the three kids as I shared with them my testimony that Jesus is the light of the world. The only problem, the little lanterns are the ones I got for my Relief Society lesson, and they don't light up. Boone, the 2, almost 3 year old, took one look at his, realized it didn't light up, and gave it back to me. Something clicked in me and I decided he was right, what good was a lantern that didn't light up. 

I went home and ordered some lanterns for my lesson, "Behold, I am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up," by Elder Rasband.

My little gardener

Knock, knock, who's there?

Luna. Luna who?

What a great idea!

Tom is dreaming about flying